Red moves artist to make art auction donation

The painting “Daybreak,” by Jeanne Brenneman, will be available via auction at the GVT on July 12

Artist Jeanne Brenneman, a Lewisburg Rotarian, recently attended the Greenbrier Valley Theatre production Red with her husband Bruce; and was so moved by the performances in the play, as well as the art exhibit in the lobby, that she has decided to part with a personal favorite piece of her own work in support of the message of the play.

Brenneman says. “The play Red, about the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, along with the exhibit and remarks by comtemporary artist, Kathleen Holder, spoke to me on many levels.” Brenneman shares the belief that a successful painting has a life of its own, but requires input from both the artist and the viewer to be complete. “I also understand the emotional and spiritual connection to the red sky at dawn. Sunrise is my favorite time of day, and it has very much to do with that infusion of the first light from the sun. My painting, ‘Daybreak,’ speaks to that connection; and I want it to be a part of this year’s GVT art auction. I hope it will go to someone who also feels the power of Red.

Cathey Sawyer, of GVT, expresses the excitement of the dynamic between the two main characters in Red. In life. Nick Reynolds studied under Jack Cirillo. In the play. Cirillo plays the artist Rothko, and Reynolds plays his assistant. Sawyer says, “ Seeing them go toe to toe on the stage, with thought provoking dialogue, in regards to modem art is fascinating.”

The play, Red, is running at GVT from May 16 through May 31. You may reach the box office at 304-645-3838 for information about show times and ticket availability.

The 20th Annual Art Auction at GVT is on July 12. There will be a Preview Party at 6 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 7 p.m.